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The Cruise Lines International Association expected a 6.4 percent upswing in cruise bookings in 2010, and all those extra passengers mean cheap cruises can be swept up quickly. However, it's still entirely possible to cruise for as little as $70 or less per day, especially if you're flexible about your travel dates and destinations. Even if you can't book at rock-bottom prices, you may still be able to increase the number of amenities and services the cruise includes for your base fare.

Step 1

Choose a departure port near your home. In addition to saving on airfare, you'll find some cruises offer resident discounts to passengers who live in the same state as the departure port.

Step 2

Book a cruise on an older ship, suggests Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of cruisecritic.com. Older ships have fewer modern amenities than the latest vessels, so tickets often sell at a deep discount compared to those on the line's newest ships. As an added bonus, the older ships typically have fewer amenities that cost extra, like spas or exclusive nightclubs, limiting the temptation to spend additional money. Find the age of a particular ship on the cruise line's website.

Step 3

Book your cruise during the off-season for the lowest rates. For example, cruise to the Caribbean during hurricane season, which is late summer to early November.

Step 4

Choose a popular destination, such as Alaska, the Carribbean or the Mediterranean. Since so many people want to sail to these places, more cruise ships head to them, so competition for passengers is stiffer. This translates to better bargains.

Step 5

Book as far in advance as possible. Some cruises have a select number of discounted fares for passengers who book as far as a year in advance. For a good bargain, you usually need to book at least six months ahead.

Step 6

Ask the cruise line if any discount programs are available, such as reduced prices for seniors.

Step 7

Choose the same cruise line for future cruises. Most major cruise lines offer loyalty programs that provide returning passengers with additional amenities, special dinners, free drinks and even discounted rooms.

Step 8

Sign up for each major cruise line's newsletter to be notified of special discounts and other bargains.

Step 9

Compare cruise lines, departure ports and destination cities using an online travel website such as Kayak, Travelocity or SureCruise.

Step 10

Request a price quote from a travel agent. Unlike online travel sites, some agents have the ability to negotiate better rates directly with the cruise lines, according to the New York Times.